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September 1, 2021
By Jessica Mathews / [email protected]
The recent withdrawal from Afghanistan was among a number of topics discussed at a virtual town hall event Tuesday night with Livingston County MP Elissa Slotkin.
The 8th District Democrat began by emphasizing the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of vaccination due to the Delta variant, but the bigger issue hanging over the minds of those who attended the event was the situation in Afghanistan. A Brighton veteran raised questions about what is being done to ensure transparency and executive accountability regarding actions in Afghanistan. It was one of some 200 questions received from the public about the current situation, to which Slotkin responded.
Slotkin said it was difficult for everyone to watch and thinks no one feels good with the videos and coverage of the withdrawal – even people who firmly believe 20 years is long enough to be active and fight in Afghanistan . Slotkin said, “I don’t think anyone would want this type of withdrawal from our country or any other country.” She said the mission was extremely expensive, and although they removed over 100,000 people from the airport, they lost 13 Marines who were protecting people as they fled persecution and possible death. .
Slotkin said they would work over the next two days to try to figure out what happened during the pullout and ensure there was accountability for it. She stressed that her office and others were focused on pressuring the administration to bring out the remaining U.S. citizens as well as Afghans who worked directly with the U.S. and others who were associated with places like the ‘Michigan State University.
As the children return to school, Slotkin said there was continued uncertainty about what was happening with COVID-19 and applauded counties and districts who took the initiative and instituted mask warrants. – which she says will be at the forefront in helping to protect children. No mask warrant has been issued anywhere in Livingston County – which currently has a “high” transmission rate.
Slotkin said the increase in the number of Delta Variant cases is “definitely sobering” and that there is a lot of stress in what appears to be the next big and 4th increase. She commented that the vaccine is working and vaccination rates are increasing and that the CDC is currently discussing allowing the booster injections.
Slotkin noted that many parents have asked when children 12 and under will be eligible to receive a vaccine and this is something the CDC is currently working on. In the meantime, she says that is why many school districts and counties have issued mask warrants because young people cannot get vaccinated and increasing numbers of young people are showing up in emergency rooms and clinics. hospitals. Slotkin noted while they appear to be better able to handle the virus, the long-term effects of contracting the virus when young are not known.
Other topics covered included a cluster of bipartisan infrastructure running through Congress, investing in high-speed internet, and the ongoing struggle to tackle the high cost of healthcare and prescription drugs, as well as the necessary access to health care.
Slotkin spoke of helping small businesses through the payroll protection program as well as a restaurant relief fund – noting that the restaurant industry has been through a tremendous amount of tragedy and is trying hard to put more money in this account. Slotkin said she is working to improve access to the workplace and discussed the need to invest in child care and accessibility as the price is so high for parents to go back to work. Slotkin said she is also pushing for paid medical and family time off and investing in home workers and direct care – which would help people take care of loved ones without fear of losing their jobs.
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